To all the graduating high school seniors, this one's for you.
First off, congratulations! Enjoy and celebrate your accomplishment!
Now, let me be honest...your life is about to change.
You are about to embark on a new journey, different from the one you just received a diploma for. Things are going to be very different. You will be at a different school, possibly in a different state or starting a career instead of continuing your education. Your friends are likely doing the same. You graduate and think there is no way that your best friends will ever not be your best friends. That your boyfriend/girlfriend will ever not be your boyfriend/girlfriend. It is hard to be able to see how the next step in your life is going to be drastically different, but it will, I promise you. I don't say these things to scare you or make you worry about losing what you have now. I say these things to prepare you for the journey you are entering. It is a great time in your life.
A time of new friendships and experiences.
A time to find your interests and hobbies.
A time to discover who you are.
When I was a graduating senior, I thought I knew it all; who I was, what I wanted in life, and where I wanted to be. Rest assured, I had a wake up call in college and realized I knew nothing. Today I am the same person that walked across that stage in high school, but I am also vastly different. I learned several lessons along the way. I'll spare you the stories of my college years, but I want to share some advice. Take it or leave it, your choice. But, I promise you will look back and realize the same thing. Your expectation of the next few years of your life and the reality, will be much different, and that's okay. I am thankful for it.
So, here's some advice from a college graduate, who still has a lot to learn.
It doesn't matter who you were in high school. The rumor is true. It does not matter if you were captain of the cheer team or an all-star athlete. These titles lose their significance the moment you walk out the doors of your school. For some, it is a relief. For me, I realized I didn't know who I really was without all the titles I had always had. On the plus side, you can be whatever you want to be now. Make a new name for yourself.
Make as many friends as you can. In high school, everyone has their "clique". In college, there are all kinds of new people from different backgrounds. Befriend them all. I have made so many really great friends that I wouldn't have if I stuck to my "clique" from high school.
Never forget your high school friends. To you, this seems like a no-brainer. How could you ever leave behind your friends? For me, this is one of my biggest regrets of college. I did not stay in touch very well with my high school friends, the people that I grew up with. This happens for a lot of others. It is easy to get lost in your new life that you don't make time for those from your past. Don't make the same mistake that many of us have. Keep those high school friends close.
Get involved in every way you can. This is something I am very thankful for. I got involved around campus in several different ways and it allowed me to grow as a person and meet some incredible people. Your college will have so many organizations that you can join. If it interests you, join it! There will also be lots of events. If it sounds fun, go! Don't miss out on all these opportunities to meet people and dive deeper into things that you enjoy. Plus, all the events will usually have food and giveaways! Anything you can get for free is very important.
Alcohol will most likely be a part of your life, but don't let it ruin your life. I debated whether this should be included, but it is a prevalent issue with college students today. I have seen lots of people, some even being my friends, ruin their college experience because of alcohol. You will have different experiences based on your decision to drink, or not drink. It can affect your relationships, your health, and specifically your academic career. Whatever choice you make, don't let it ruin your life. Okay, off of my mom soap box.
These are the things that I need you to understand, but would also be doing you a disservice if I didn't list out the rest of some helpful tips to navigate through your first year.
Spend time with your family. You will miss them more than I can even explain. Visit and call and much as you can.
You don't have to know what you want to do with your life right now. After your first year, you should have a better idea. Explore your different options.
Stay organized and on top of your classes. Freshman year can get overwhelming pretty quick.
Study, but don't miss out on opportunities and experiences.
That guy that you can't get over will not matter soon enough. Just take my word on this one.
Enjoy your time in college. Don't feel like you have to find your future husband. Your time will come.
Take time to really get to know people. They all have a different story.
FRESHMAN year is the best year. Embrace the confusion and chaos and the newness of it all. You will look back and miss your first year.
You are independent for the first time in your life. Congrats, but be smart about it.
Use the school's gym. Freshman 15 is a real thing.
Go Greek. Couldn't make it through without mentioning this. If you feel like it is something you would enjoy, go for it. You meet some amazing people and have lots of new opportunities.
Do not lose your scholarships because of your inability to get out of bed. Go to class and keep your grades up.
You will experience ups and downs, don't let these moments define your life.
The best advice I can give you about going to college is this:
Remember who you are. Too often people forget what they stand for and all the things they learned from their parents. If you went to church, keep going. Stay true to who you are during your time in college. While it is going to be some of the best (and worst) years of your life, you will most likely be tested in several different ways. These things will help you determine who you are and want to be.
Enjoy every second of the next four years of your life. It will be gone before you know it.
P.S. When in doubt, call your parents. When you graduate high school, you realize they have an answer to everything.
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